Agent Alert: 10 New Openings

Happy Wednesday, writers!

Here are 10 agents who opened to queries in the past week (June 3 - 9), along with information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link.

If you missed last week: 49 other agents opened to queries. Check out the lists here and here!

Note that some of these agents may already be closed to queries.

Best of luck, and happy querying!

This newsletter is purely informational and is not an endorsement of any particular agent or agency.

1. Zoe Plant of The Bent Agency

Zoe’s list spans both children’s and adult books across a variety of genres. Her tastes lean toward commercial, entertaining, accessible books with clever hooks and something to say about the world. She is particularly interested in submissions from writers from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

In children’s books, Zoe is looking for middle-grade and young adult fiction across all genres. For middle-grade, she loves books that combine a quirky voice or setting with a sense of fun and a strong emotional core. In YA, Zoe has a particular love for fantasy and is drawn to stories that stand out in a crowded market with interesting settings, intricate world-building, and unusual magic systems. She is also seeking science fiction and speculative fiction for teens, as well as horror and twisty thrillers.

Zoe’s adult list focuses on fantasy and science fiction with strong commercial appeal, particularly those that break away from traditional genre conventions. She loves innovative world-building, realistic characters, and writing that offers a fresh perspective on the world. A big fan of horror, Zoe is especially interested in socially conscious horror that resonates with fans of Get Out. She also enjoys general fiction with a high-concept hook or a speculative or gothic edge. A well-plotted murder mystery with unexpected twists will always catch her eye.

Published titles: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin, Arcana Academy by Elise Kova, An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

Link to query 💌

2. Travis Pennington of The Knight Agency, Inc.

Travis is looking for young adult and middle grade fiction, particularly high-concept stories with a strong voice, as well as mysteries, psychological thrillers, and horror that are equally compelling. He is also interested in sci-fi grounded in reality and Christian fiction across all genres, from thrillers and contemporary to historical romance.

In nonfiction, Travis is drawn to inspirational memoirs and general Christian nonfiction that uplift and inspire readers. He seeks stories that resonate deeply and offer meaningful perspectives on faith and personal growth.

Published titles: Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia, More than My Scars by Kechi Okwuchi, Jerkbait by Mia Siegert

Link to query 💌

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3. Ginger Hutchinson of Movable Type Management

Ginger is looking for high-concept commercial, upmarket, and select literary fiction. She’s actively seeking archetypal stories with a strong hook, compelling characters and a rich sense of place. She values writers who are are constantly developing their craft, with emotionally grounded and atmospherically rich stories to tell.

Ginger is particularly interested in escapist books: beach reads in unique locations, crossover romance, mysteries and thrillers that transport me. She’d love to see some clever puzzle-solving mysteries with an underdog protagonist or ensemble.

She’s also curious to see stories of all genres set in specific hobby groups, such as filmmaking, ballet/dance, knitting/crochet. Ginger would particularly love a thriller that centers on an unusual career that lends itself to interesting psychological phenomena—like deep-sea fishing, cargo/container ships, long-haul trucking, railroad conductors…you see where this is going?

Ginger would be thrilled to hear from Indigenous/First Nations authors writing in any genre. You can learn more about her interests on her MSWL.

Link to query 💌

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4. Mason Rowlee of DeFiore and Company

Mason only represents adult books. He is seeking innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket and commercial fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing. He is particularly interested in working with queer authors.

For adult fiction, he loves:

• Literary novels with genre elements (romance, fantasy, horror)

• Explorations of LGBTQIA+ relationships, chosen families, and communities

• Expansive, big-hearted family sagas

• Unputdownable thrillers and horror novels with social commentary

• Coming-of-age adventures with small town antics

• Novels that embrace the absurd

For adult nonfiction, he loves:

• Narrative nonfiction about the inequity faced by marginalized communities

• Savvy pop culture reporting

• Biographies of obscure or underappreciated historical figures

• Well-researched, paradigm-shifting journalism

• Memoirs with strong, voice-driven writing

• Disruptive self-help with a social justice component

Mason is not looking for children’s books (including YA, middle grade, early reader or picture books). He also does not represent traditional SFF or romance.

Link to query 💌

Check out 6 more agent profiles:

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